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Not just the listeners, either. Miro had to be fair—he was…

“Not just the listeners, either. Miro had to be fair—he was as impatient with himself as they were. When he thought of the sheer effort involved in explaining a complicated idea, when he anticipated trying to form the words with lips and tongue and jaws that wouldn’t obey him, when he thought of…” quote by Orson Scott Card
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““Not just the listeners, either. Miro had to be fair—he was as impatient with himself as they were. When he thought of the sheer effort involved in explaining a complicated idea, when he anticipated trying to form the words with lips and tongue and jaws that wouldn’t obey him, when he thought of how long it would all take, he usually felt too weary to speak. His mind raced on and on, as fast as ever, thinking so many thoughts that at times Miro wanted his brain to shut down, to be silent and give him peace. But his thoughts remained his own, unshared.””

Orson Scott Card

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Miro struggles with the mental effort of speaking, feeling exhaustion and a desire for silence, yet his thoughts stay private.

In simple terms: Miro finds speaking exhausting and keeps thoughts to himself.

Key Takeaway

Recognize mental fatigue and seek rest.

Themes

communication mental effort solitude

Mood

empathetic thoughtful

Type

narrative psychological

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • creative brainstorming

Key Concepts

cognitive load speech anxiety

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you support someone overwhelmed by speaking?
  • What strategies reduce mental fatigue?
A Different Perspective

May lead to isolation.

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